The Turkish Conquest
By the early 1500s,Hungary faced a powerful threat from the Turkish people in the east. The Turks were expanding their empire. Gradually they were moving into western Europe, conquering everyone in their path. In 1526, they defeated the Hungarian army at the Battle of Mohács, in southern Hungary.
The Turkish conquest had a devastating effect on the nation, which broke apart for a while. The Turks occupied the central area of Hungary, including the capital city of Budapest. The eastern province of Transylvania remained under the control of the Hungarians. The far western part of Hungary came under control of Austria, its neighbor.
Many Hungarians in central Hungary fled from the Turks. Large parts of the country resembled ghost towns. The people feared having to live under the rule of the "Infidels". The Turks were Muslims, followers of the religion of Islam. Christianity and Islam had long been at odds.
